Skip to main content

​
Overview

This guide covers deploying Quest Hunter to iOS using Expo Application Services (EAS). You’ll learn how to create builds, submit to TestFlight, and release to the App Store.

​
Prerequisites

  • Apple Developer Program membership ($99/year)
  • EAS CLI installed and configured
  • Project environment variables configured
  • Apple ID with 2FA enabled
Quest Hunter’s iOS bundle identifier is com.levinbaenninger.questhunter. You’ll need to register this identifier in your Apple Developer account or change it in app.json.

​
iOS Configuration

​
App Configuration

Quest Hunter is configured with the following iOS settings in app.json: 
"ios": {
  "supportsTablet": true,
  "bundleIdentifier": "com.levinbaenninger.questhunter",
  "infoPlist": {
    "ITSAppUsesNonExemptEncryption": false
  }
}

​
Key Features

  • Tablet Support: Enabled for iPad
  • Encryption Compliance: Declared as not using encryption (required for App Store submission)
  • Location Permissions: “Allow Quest Hunter to use your location”
  • New Architecture: Enabled (newArchEnabled: true)
  • React Compiler: Enabled for optimized performance

​
Building for iOS

​
Development Build (Local Testing)

For local development with Expo Go or physical devices:
1

Build for simulator

Create a development build for iOS simulator:
eas build --profile development-simulator --platform ios
This creates a build specifically for iOS simulators with development client enabled.
2

Install on simulator

After the build completes, download and install:
# Download the build
eas build:download --platform ios --profile development-simulator

# Install on simulator
xcrun simctl install booted path/to/your-app.app
3

Run the app

Start the development server:
bun dev
Or run directly on iOS:
bun run ios
# or
expo run:ios

​
Preview Build (Internal Testing)

For internal testing on physical devices without App Store: 
eas build --profile preview --platform ios
This creates an internal distribution build that can be installed via TestFlight or direct installation.

​
Production Build (App Store)

1

Configure credentials

Set up your Apple Developer credentials with EAS:
eas credentials
Select iOS and follow the prompts to:
  • Add your Apple ID
  • Configure push notification certificates
  • Set up provisioning profiles
2

Create production build

Build for production with auto-incrementing build number:
eas build --profile production --platform ios
The production profile has autoIncrement: true, which automatically increments the build number for each build.
3

Monitor build progress

Watch the build progress:
# View build logs
eas build:list --platform ios

# Or visit https://expo.dev/accounts/[your-account]/projects/quest-hunter/builds

​
Submitting to TestFlight

1

Build for production

First, create a production build:
eas build --profile production --platform ios
2

Submit to App Store Connect

Submit the build to TestFlight:
eas submit --platform ios
EAS will prompt you to:
  • Select the build to submit
  • Enter your Apple ID credentials
  • Configure app-specific password if needed
3

Configure TestFlight

After submission, configure TestFlight in App Store Connect:
  1. Go to App Store Connect
  2. Select your app
  3. Navigate to TestFlight tab
  4. Add internal or external testers
  5. Provide test information and privacy policy
4

Wait for processing

Apple’s review process for TestFlight typically takes 24-48 hours. Internal testing can begin immediately.

​
Releasing to App Store

1

Prepare app metadata

In App Store Connect, configure:
  • App name and subtitle
  • Screenshots (iPhone and iPad)
  • App description and keywords
  • Privacy policy URL
  • Support URL
  • Age rating
  • App category
2

Submit for review

Once TestFlight build is ready:
  1. Select the build for release
  2. Choose manual or automatic release
  3. Submit for App Store review
3

App Review

Review times vary from 24 hours to several days. Ensure your app complies with App Store Review Guidelines.
Common review issues:
  • Missing privacy policy for location data
  • Incomplete app metadata
  • App crashes or bugs
  • Missing required app features

​
Updating the App

​
Version Management

Update the version in app.json: 
{
  "expo": {
    "version": "1.0.1"
  }
}
The build number is automatically incremented by EAS when using the production profile. You only need to update the version number for new releases.

​
Release Update

1

Update version

Increment version in app.json:
"version": "1.1.0"
2

Build and submit

# Build new version
eas build --profile production --platform ios

# Submit to App Store
eas submit --platform ios
3

Update App Store listing

Update release notes in App Store Connect and submit for review.

​
Over-the-Air Updates (OTA)

For non-native code changes (JavaScript, assets), use EAS Update: 
# Publish an update
eas update --branch production --message "Bug fixes and improvements"
OTA updates work for JavaScript and asset changes only. Native code changes (dependencies, permissions, etc.) require a new build submission.

​
Troubleshooting

​
Code Signing Issues

If you encounter code signing errors: 
# Reset credentials
eas credentials --platform ios

# Select "Remove all credentials" and reconfigure

​
Build Failures

Check build logs: 
eas build:view [BUILD_ID]
Common issues:
  • Missing environment variables
  • Invalid bundle identifier
  • Expired certificates
  • Insufficient memory during build

​
TestFlight Compliance

Quest Hunter uses location services. Ensure you provide:
  • Clear explanation of location usage in App Store metadata
  • Privacy policy URL
  • Proper NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription in Info.plist (already configured)

​
App Store Rejection

Common rejection reasons:
  1. Incomplete Information: Missing privacy policy for location data
  2. Crashes: Test thoroughly before submission
  3. Misleading Metadata: Ensure screenshots match actual app functionality
  4. Minimum Functionality: Ensure all features work without server issues

​
App Store Assets Requirements

​
Screenshots Required

  • iPhone 6.7” (1290 x 2796 pixels) - Required
  • iPhone 6.5” (1242 x 2688 pixels) - Required
  • iPad Pro 12.9” (2048 x 2732 pixels) - Required if supporting iPad

​
App Icon

Quest Hunter’s icon is configured at: 
./assets/images/icon.png
Requirements:
  • 1024x1024 pixels
  • PNG format
  • No transparency
  • No rounded corners (iOS adds them automatically)

​
Environment-Specific Builds

To create builds with different environment variables: 
# Production environment
eas build --profile production --platform ios

# Development environment
eas build --profile development --platform ios
Environment variables are read from .env and bundled at build time for variables prefixed with EXPO_PUBLIC_.

​
Next Steps

Android Deployment

Deploy to Google Play Store

Web Deployment

Deploy web version

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love

Get started for freeTalk to us